F1 2011: Codemasters iron out the few creases from last year

Until last year, the Formula 1 video games tended to lean to a more arcade format, but when Codemasters decided to step up the franchise we got arguably the most realistic racer, at least that I've played in years, in F1 2010.

But, there was undoubtedly something missing from that release, such as there being no safety car no red flag and a problem with the drivers AI. With F1 2011, Codemasters took it upon themselves to address all of these issues, and it’s safe to say they managed it.

Graphics wise, there’s not a huge amount to focus on as it is almost the same as its predecessor, but I have noted that the game looks almost as real as races do on TV.

In terms of gameplay there is a massive improvement regarding realism. Aside from the introduction of new rules that were introduced this year, such as the drag reduction system (DRS), there is also a notable improvement in how the cars act compared to real life.

Firstly, with the tyres in the last game it was almost as if you could head straight out onto the track and set a fastest lap. Not with this.

After a pit stop, I found myself having to warm the tyres up properly else I’d be in a gravel trap. Also with the safety car out you need to weave from side to side like in a real race to keep temperatures up, else you’ll find yourself dropping places at the restart.

With the AI of the fellow drivers, there is a huge improvement. In F1 2010, your competitors were limited to one strategy, set at the start of the race. But now, they will adapt to changing conditions as the race goes on, just like in a real Grand Prix.

Multiplayer is a vast improvement on last year too, with up to 16 player controlled cars racing at once, with the option of an additional 8 computer controlled racers.

Overall, it is an improvement on last year’s release, with not just the team rosters having a revamp, but with all of 2010’s little errors being ironed out.